How to become a Dispatcher
Official title: Dispatchers
Also called: 911 dispatcher, Boat dispatcher, Mine dispatcher, Taxi dispatcher, Plant dispatcher, Radio dispatcher, Truck dispatcher, Service dispatcher, Tugboat dispatcher, Ambulance dispatcher, Newspaper dispatcher, Tow truck dispatcher
Dispatchers operate radios and other telecommunication equipment to dispatch emergency vehicles and to coordinate the activities of drivers and other personnel. They are employed by police, fire and health departments, other emergency service agencies, taxi, delivery and courier services, trucking and utilities companies, and other commercial and industrial establishments.
Main tasks
- Receive requests for emergency assistance or service and contact ambulances, police and fire departments, tow-trucks, and utility crews
- Process and transmit information and instructions to coordinate the activities of vehicle operators, crews and equipment using a variety of computer-aided communications and dispatching equipment
- Dispatch personnel according to written schedules and work orders, or as required by emergency situations
- Advise vehicle operators of route and traffic problems such as construction, accidents, congestion, weather conditions, weight and size restrictions and other information
- Operate radio equipment to communicate with ships, aircraft, mining crews, offshore oil rigs, logging camps and other remote operations
- Monitor personnel workloads and locations
- Maintain vehicle operator work records using computerized or manual methods and ensure time sheets and payroll summaries are completed accurately
- Maintain computer and manual records of mileage, fuel use, repairs and other expenses, and generate reports
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is required. Police and emergency dispatchers are required to complete formal on-the-job training. Other dispatchers usually undergo some informal on-the-job training. Police and emergency dispatchers and other radio operators usually require provincial radio operator's certificates.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $54,600 a year The middle half earn $44,850 to $70,200.
- About 33,100 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 37,200 are projected by 2033. (+12.4%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Shippers and receivers
- Storekeepers and partspersons
- Production logistics workers
- Purchasing and inventory control workers
- Transportation route and crew schedulers
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become a Dispatcher?
Completion of secondary school is required. Police and emergency dispatchers are required to complete formal on-the-job training. Other dispatchers usually undergo some informal on-the-job training. Police and emergency dispatchers and other radio operators usually require provincial radio operator's certificates.
How much does a Dispatcher earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $54,600 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $44,850 to $70,200.
Is a Dispatcher a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 12% by 2033, from about 33,100 to about 37,200 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a Dispatcher?
Usually not. Only 16% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03